Christmas Cookie Competition, City Link BeerFest, and Other Food Happenings This Week in Broward and Palm Beach

When the thought of yet another leftover turkey, mashed potato, and pumpkin pie sandwich makes you green around the gills, it's time to travel outside the house for sustenance.

This week, you can officially start getting your Christmas on with holiday activities in Fort Lauderdale -- including a cookie showdown Tuesday night on Las Olas -- or avoid the holiday onslaught by opting for dinner from a food truck rally or forgetting your troubles during a celebration of booze.

Ready to get away from those lingering house guests? Here are a few food and drink happenings this weekend in Broward and Palm Beach counties:

Tuesday:

Christmas Cookie Battle at Christmas on Las Olas -- A battle of gingerbread vs. shortbread proportions will take place around 5:30 p.m. as part of the Christmas on Las Olas extravaganza from 5 to 10 p.m. on Las Olas between SE Sixth Avenue to SE 11th Avenue. A $2 donation to the American Lung Association allows you to sample the cookie contenders in this New Times sponsored competition. Other activities on Las Olas include Santa, sledding, and ice skating. Wednesday:

Food trucks at Village Commons in West Palm Beach -- The last food truck event of the year at Village Commons will include nearly 20 food trucks, like Catered Bliss, Nacho Bizness, and The Philly Grill. The event is 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Friday:

Scotch Dinner -- Sample seven types of Scotch paired with a seven-course dinner at Market 17 in Fort Lauderdale. Some of the dishes include crispy Florida Wreckfish and grassfed beef short ribs. The dinner is 7 p.m. and the cost is $85 plus tax and tip.

City Link BeerFest 2011 -- City Link, reportedly on its last legs, will host a five-hour festival of beer from 6 to 11 p.m. at Huizenga Plaza in Fort Lauderdale. More than 100 brews and live music, with admission ranging from $20 to $40.

Saturday:

Grill Grrrl Grilling Clinic -- Robyn Lindars, otherwise known as the Grill Grrrl, will teach women the basics of grilling in this casual clinic from 3 to 6 p.m. at Culinary Concepts, 540 S. Federal Highway, Pompano Beach. The class is $35.

Orchid, Garden, and Gourmet Food Festival -- The Bonnet House in Fort Lauderdale will host a handful of food trucks, a farmer's market, and wine and beer at its two-day festival, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. Whole Foods and Market 17 will participate with various demos throughout the weekend. Admission is $5 to $7.

Food trucks at Bedner's Farm Fresh Market -- Nearly ten food trucks will roll up from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Bedner's for a family day featuring a DJ and kids' activities. Catered Bliss, The Philly Grill, and Veggie Express, among others, will be on hand.

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